The hottest Journalism Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

Gamifying the Self for Status and Profit

Freddie deBoer • 5847 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. Web 2.0 principles underlying online platforms can be toxic and damaging to journalism and media.
  2. The pressure for individuals in the reporting and opinionating business to be on Twitter created a culture where tweeting was perceived as necessary for existence in the industry.
  3. Twitter and similar constant mass-broadcasting services can lead to peer pressure, conformity, and hinder independence of thought in journalism and commentary.

Fuck the Wall Street Journal

Discourse Blog • 707 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📰 News Journalism
  1. Support for Palestine is increasing, but mainstream media is failing to represent the crisis accurately.
  2. The Wall Street Journal published something extremely hateful and dangerous.
  3. Consider subscribing to Discourse Blog for more in-depth coverage.

We Are Not Amused

Unpopular Front • 179 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. Olivia Nuzzi is a journalist who often finds herself at the center of scandals rather than focusing on real reporting. Her personal life is more known than her work.
  2. Her recent actions, including a controversial memoir and connections to notable figures, reflect a troubling trend in media that prioritizes spectacle over serious journalism.
  3. Critics argue that this kind of sensationalism harms the reputation of ethical journalists and is part of a larger issue affecting the media and society.
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Legacy Media is an Antiquated, Obsolete Relic

DARK FUTURA • 1395 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
📰 News Journalism
  1. Legacy media is becoming outdated and irrelevant in the face of democratized citizen journalism.
  2. The internet has revolutionized news delivery, allowing direct access to information and challenging traditional media sources.
  3. Legacy media is resorting to censorship and biased reporting to maintain control over the narrative as their power diminishes.

The Latest Media Death Is Somehow Even Darker Than Usual

Discourse Blog • 668 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
📰 News Journalism
  1. The Messenger, a media company, shut down abruptly after burning through a large investment and employing 300 journalists with no severance.
  2. The way The Messenger handled layoffs was exceptionally cruel and poorly managed, even by industry standards.
  3. The closure of The Messenger is an example of how some companies fail to treat their employees with decency during layoffs.

We Don't Believe You

Marginally Compelling • 35 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
📰 News Journalism
  1. People often make dire predictions by extrapolating from limited data instead of relying on solid evidence, and those forecasts frequently turn out to be wrong.
  2. Media outlets sometimes amplify biased estimates without checking sources or revisiting errors, which lets false narratives persist and reduces accountability.
  3. Real-world systems adapt and money is fungible, so policy changes don’t always produce the predicted collapse; we should be skeptical of extrapolation and re-evaluate past forecasts.

Contra Evan Urquhart On The Right To Journalistic Exclusion

Singal-Minded • 798 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Activists often want to shut down debates over youth gender medicine before they even start. They believe that there shouldn't be public discussions about how best to handle such a sensitive topic.
  2. Journalists have the right to use recorded audio from public spaces, even if someone doesn't want their voice in a story. If someone speaks where media can record, their words can be shared.
  3. Just because a source is unhappy about how they were portrayed in a story doesn't mean the journalism is bad or wrong. Journalism can upset people, and that's a normal part of the profession.

That Which Can Be Destroyed By The Truth, Should Be

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1937 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Truth can be really powerful, and it often challenges the lies that support unfair systems. When we know the truth, it becomes harder for those in power to take advantage of others.
  2. In a fair society, those with more power should be more transparent, while those with less power need protection from being exploited. This way, everyone can feel safe and treated fairly.
  3. Facing the truth can be scary because it may change relationships and challenge our beliefs. However, embracing truth is essential for growth and a healthier society.

Note to Readers: On the Border Protests

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 4986 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
📰 News Journalism
  1. The author is planning to cover the 'Take Our Border Back' convoy protest in person
  2. The author is looking for people who are planning to attend the protest and would allow a journalist to accompany them
  3. The author aims to provide more watch-and-see content in their platform Racket this year

It's The End of the Media As We Know It

Castalia • 599 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. Many traditional media outlets are struggling or shutting down, marking a significant change in how we consume news and entertainment. This shift is linked to the rise of digital media and changing audience preferences.
  2. The old media model relied on a single, large audience with homogenous interests, but now people can connect with niche communities online. This is leading to a more diverse and fragmented public.
  3. Writers are now finding their voices outside of big institutions, allowing them to create authentic content for smaller, like-minded audiences. This could change what it means to be a journalist in today's world.

Notebook: Bad News Day

Book Post • 628 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
📰 News Journalism
  1. Recent years have seen a significant decline in journalism, with many major news outlets facing layoffs and cutbacks.
  2. Local news has been especially hard-hit, with many newspapers closing down, leaving 'news deserts' in over 200 counties.
  3. The rise of artificial intelligence is also impacting journalism, with AI tools changing how news is consumed and altering the media landscape.

Best of The Free Press: Stories That Stirred My Soul

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1697 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. It's important to be aware of the things around us that we often overlook. Being humble and curious helps us see the bigger picture in life.
  2. Stories can deeply connect us to the experiences of others, helping us appreciate what we have. They remind us of the beauty and struggles in the world.
  3. Leaving a legacy goes beyond having children; we can create beauty through our actions and creativity. Even small things, like a rosebush, can have a lasting impact.

Editor's Note: On "UK Files, Part 2"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 4511 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Journalism
  1. The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) is revealed to be a partisan project connected to Labour Together, rather than just a neutral watchdog as portrayed in the media.
  2. The article highlights the importance of independent journalism in uncovering political ties and holding powerful institutions accountable.
  3. Efforts like digging up IRS applications and filing FOIA requests demonstrate the ongoing need for transparency and journalistic diligence in the face of narrowing speech environments.

Let My WSJ Subscription Lapse

Points And Figures • 1412 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. The quality of the Wall Street Journal has declined over time, making it hard to find unbiased information.
  2. Many readers prefer in-depth, objective stories rather than quick online news and basic information.
  3. Younger writers often lack proper journalism training, which affects the quality of reports they produce.

Transcript - America This Week, Feb 7, 2025: "The Big Store: Politico, USAID, and Managed Reality."

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1375 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Mainstream media often receives significant funding from government contracts, which raises questions about their independence. It's hard to believe they can remain unbiased when they rely on such large amounts of money from the government.
  2. The money that media companies like Politico take from government sources can be seen as a form of corruption. This compromises their credibility when they report on issues like election integrity.
  3. Critics argue that publications that heavily report on political scandals should be held to high ethical standards. If they engage in questionable practices while accusing others of corruption, it undermines their trustworthiness.

Do the Jo(h)ns Believe What They're Saying?

I Might Be Wrong • 20 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. Comedian-journalists are losing automatic credibility as experts and now face growing skepticism from both fans and specialists.
  2. People debate whether their one-sided messaging comes from showmanship and chasing audiences or from genuinely believing the simplified narratives they promote.
  3. Satirical news shows increasingly resemble partisan outlets by simplifying and massaging facts, which undercuts their earlier role as a corrective to mainstream media.

Letters to the Editor: The Fires Weren’t Inevitable

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1521 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
📰 News Journalism
  1. Some readers disagree with the idea that Los Angeles was meant to burn, arguing it's a defeatist attitude. They believe avoiding blames and focusing on solutions are more productive.
  2. The discussion highlights that LA's construction on dry grasslands makes it vulnerable to wildfires, but it's also important to consider how this can be managed better.
  3. There’s a broader concern about accepting problems as unavoidable rather than addressing them, which can reflect in various societal issues today.

A Funny Thing About Dave Barry

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 547 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. Dave Barry is a unique humorist who managed to make people laugh consistently, even in a stiff newspaper environment. His style stood out in a genre that often felt bland.
  2. His popularity soared during the late 1980s, making him a well-known figure with a wide readership and even his own TV show. This shows how effective his humor was.
  3. Barry received a Pulitzer Prize, which demonstrates that he could impress even those who typically don’t appreciate humor. Getting laughs from serious critics is no easy feat.

2025 for the Wins

Situation Normal • 80 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
😂 Humor Journalism
  1. A long-running slice-of-life newsletter is being paused so the creator can focus on a new crime/mystery newsletter and their fiction, and paid subscriptions/payments have been paused with refunds available on request.
  2. The year was full of personal wins across health, home, and work — progress in yoga, 20 pounds lost by counting macros, relief from acupuncture, surviving a bathroom remodel, getting a past-due payment, welcoming a puppy, and steady progress on a book sequel.
  3. There’s an emphasis on celebrating small victories and inviting readers to share their own wins to build a light, community-driven conversation.

Burnage Garden Village is at war - and the stakes couldn't be lower

The Mill • 1100 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. Burnage Garden Village faced a small-scale war driven by internal power struggles within the housing cooperative.
  2. The community's fixation on rules and structure led to tensions and a departure from the original goal of fostering warmth and community.
  3. The story highlights the challenges of cooperative living and the complexities that can arise in tightly knit communities.

The Owner of the LA Times Takes the Red Pill

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1326 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Patrick Soon-Shiong bought the LA Times around two years before the newspaper faced serious issues regarding race and coverage. This came after the death of George Floyd and similar events across the country.
  2. The LA Times newsroom experienced a lot of conflict and emotion as staff members grappled with their past reporting and its impact on community violence. There was a strong push for change in how they approached their journalism.
  3. Supporting independent journalism, like that of the LA Times, is important and can be costly. Subscribing to these publications helps keep important conversations and investigations alive.

How to cover 2024

steveinskeep • 628 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
📰 News Journalism
  1. Meet the highest standards we already have in journalism.
  2. Journalists need to make their own decisions in covering politics.
  3. Building a sustainable news business requires respect for the audience and reliable information.

Transcript - America This Week November , 2024: "The Insanity Era Dies. What's Next?"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1738 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. Mainstream media is losing its audience and facing layoffs after an election loss. Many viewers are turning to conservative outlets instead.
  2. The current media environment seems to be failing as it struggles to predict election outcomes and meet audience expectations.
  3. There's a sense that the media's influence is diminishing, especially as they no longer have strong ties to the government or political figures.

For February: 50% off Subscriptions, 50% off DRM-Free Downloads, Lifetime Subscriptions available

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 1148 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Journalism
  1. You can get a 50% discount on yearly subscriptions this February, making it only $2.25 a month.
  2. There’s also a 50% off deal on DRM-free downloads of all videos, so you can watch them anytime, anywhere.
  3. If you want lifetime access, you can buy a lifetime subscription for $200 during this month, which supports independent tech journalism.

Music News Has Lost Its Appeal

First Floor • 511 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Journalism
  1. Music journalism is struggling to connect with younger audiences.
  2. The changing nature of music consumption is impacting the relevance of music news.
  3. Streaming platforms and online communities are changing how music fans discover new music, affecting the need for traditional music journalism.

Bari’s Picks of the Week: New Frontiers

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 459 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. A new app for The Free Press is now available, making it easier to access all their content. It's designed to be fast and user-friendly.
  2. The article discusses various important topics, including advances in genetics and social issues in Europe.
  3. Supporting independent journalism is encouraged, as it helps maintain the quality and breadth of investigative stories from The Free Press.

To NYT’s Peter Baker, Acknowledging Trans People’s Existence Is “Activism,” Openly Advocating for Perpetual U.S. Occupation of Afghanistan Isn’t

The Column • 963 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. The definition of 'activism' can vary depending on the political stance.
  2. Elite reporters struggle to define the line between journalism and activism, relying on a vague 'vibe' instead of clear principles.
  3. Despite claiming impartiality, some journalists display clear ideological bias in their reporting.

Media School Research: Sedatives, Politics, Somatic Healing, and Racial Justice

Heterodox STEM • 120 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🚌 Education Journalism
  1. Researchers are examining somatic healing and so-called “sedative technologies” that soothe and regulate bodies in response to racial trauma. While these practices can calm individuals, they may also limit more disruptive, collective ways of responding to ongoing racial violence.
  2. A best-selling book popularized body-focused trauma therapies and helped spark widespread interest in somatic approaches. Many scientists, however, criticize the book’s claims as pseudoscientific, so its authority is contested.
  3. Media schools increasingly study topics like bodily regulation and trauma using qualitative case studies rather than traditional experiments, blurring lines with humanities and social science. Institutional shifts can also lead to conflicts over student journalism and administrative censorship when reputation is prioritized over reporting.

My Family Was Hunted by Nazis. But I Was Fired After ‘Defending Hitler.’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5499 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism
  1. The author was fired from their job at _The Seattle Times_ after a Twitter post comparing Lenin and Hitler, leading to accusations of defending Hitler.
  2. The author's work as a journalist focused on stories of structural oppression in Asia, including sexism and neo-Nazi trends, driven by personal family history.
  3. The situation highlights the challenges of engaging in divisive discussions online and the impact of social media controversies on personal and professional life.